Chathams Blue
General Information about Chathams Blue
The hex color #135385, also known as Chathams Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue with a touch of gray. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with qualities like stability, trust, and depth. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 7.45% red, 32.55% green, and 52.16% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 86% cyan, 38% magenta, 0% yellow, and 48% black. This color is named after the Chatham Islands, reflecting its oceanic and natural associations. Chathams Blue is commonly used in designs where a sense of reliability and sophistication is desired. It is considered a cool color, making it suitable for backgrounds, accents, and typography when paired with appropriate contrasting colors.
The hex color #135385, also known as Chathams Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text. Its relatively low lightness value means that it needs to be paired with very light colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #135385 for text on a white background would likely fail these guidelines, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter shade of blue or a contrasting color like yellow or white for text. Tools like contrast checkers can help ensure sufficient contrast. When using it as background, ensure foreground elements have adequate contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter blue that offers better contrast against dark text, enhancing readability and user experience.
- #808080
A neutral gray can serve as a sophisticated alternative, providing a more subtle background option that works well with various text colors.
- #778899
A softer, muted blue-gray that is less intense and more versatile for different design applications.
Applications
Website Headers
Chathams Blue, with its depth and sophistication, is an excellent choice for website headers and navigation bars. It conveys a sense of professionalism and trust, making it suitable for businesses in finance, technology, or consulting. When paired with a clean, minimalist design and clear typography, it can create a visually appealing and user-friendly experience. Use it to highlight important calls to action or to create a consistent brand identity across the site. The color helps establish a feeling of security and dependability for visitors.
Interior Design Accents
In interior design, Chathams Blue serves as a sophisticated accent color for walls or furniture. It brings a calming and elegant touch to bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. Complement it with neutral colors like gray, white, or beige to create a balanced and harmonious atmosphere. Accents in gold or copper can enhance its richness. Consider using it for statement pieces like sofas or armchairs, or as an accent wall to add depth to a room. The color contributes to a feeling of tranquility and refinement.
Branding and Marketing
Chathams Blue offers a refined, dependable choice for corporate branding and marketing materials, conveying stability and trustworthiness. Its use in logos, business cards, and presentations creates a lasting impression of professionalism. Ideal for industries such as finance, technology, and insurance, this color ensures consistency and reinforces brand identity across various platforms. By carefully selecting complementary colors and typography, businesses can create a cohesive and memorable brand experience that resonates with their target audience.